Recirculation Pumps

Recirculation pumps keep hot water moving through your plumbing so it is available instantly at every fixture. No more waiting 30-60 seconds for hot water to arrive. They loop unused hot water back to the water heater through a dedicated return line or the cold water line (using a bypass valve). Timer-based or demand-based (activated by a button or motion sensor). Saves 10,000-15,000 gallons per year in water waste. The tradeoff: slightly higher energy use since the water heater works more to maintain temperature in the loop.

For most homes under 3,500 sq ft, a standard residential recirculation pump (1/25 to 1/8 HP) is sufficient. Larger homes or those with long pipe runs may need a more powerful pump. Dedicated return line systems are more efficient than bypass valve systems but require additional plumbing. Bypass valves retrofit onto existing plumbing in under an hour.

Dedicated return line: pump mounts on the water heater, pushes hot water through supply lines and back through a dedicated return pipe. Professional installation for new construction or major remodels. Bypass valve retrofit: pump mounts on the water heater, a bypass valve installs under the farthest fixture. Hot water circulates through the existing cold line back to the heater. DIY-friendly -- 30-60 minutes.